Job interviews can be intimidating but it is important to look at them as an opportunity to learn if a clinic is the right fit for you. It is not just about the clinic learning about you, but also a chance for you to get a feel for the clinic. Come prepared to put your best foot forward and try to imagine yourself working at the practice long term.
Preparing for success
Researching the clinic before your interview is crucial for making a strong impression and demonstrating genuine interest in the role. It can also help you discover whether this clinic will help you develop your career in the direction that you want. Visit the clinic’s website and social media profiles to understand the team culture, clinic values, the treatments offered, and to get a sense of the principal dentist’s background and areas of expertise. Additionally, read online patient reviews to gauge the patient experience and the clinic’s reputation. This preparation allows you to tailor your questions and responses to align with the clinic’s values and goals, showing that you’ve done your homework and are enthusiastic about contributing to their team.
Setting up a good impression
On interview day, dress professionally in clothing that aligns with the practice’s culture while remaining polished and appropriate. In dentistry, a suit is not usually needed, but being neat and put together goes a long way. One thing that I really appreciate seeing is case examples on an iPad that demonstrate how you treatment plan along with before and after images. This allows you to showcase how you think and the quality of your work.
While you are at the clinic, prioritize engaging with the team in a friendly and respectful manner, demonstrating your genuine interest in building positive relationships. Show appreciation for their roles and contributions, actively listen to their insights, and share your enthusiasm for collaborating within a team environment. This approach highlights your commitment to fostering a cohesive and supportive workplace culture. For bonus points, bring a sweet treat for the team to share.
What to ask in your interview
Interviews in a dental clinic are usually with the office manager or principal dentist and can be formal questions or a more casual conversation. For me, I am mostly looking to see if this candidate will fit my clinic values, treat my patients how I do, and blend well with my team. I also want to learn what the dentist is passionate about and how they hope their career will develop over the coming years.
As a candidate, you should have a few questions prepared. Here are some topics you will want to know more information about:
- What are the practice’s core values, treatments offered, patent demographics and plans for growth?
- Who will my assistant be, what is their skill level, and how is turnover at the clinic?
- Are there any mentorship opportunities? Find out if you will be working as the sole DDS on a given day, or whether there will be a dentist around to discuss cases with you.
- What are the expectations in terms of how busy I will be when I start?
- Are there any production goals for the position?
- Will I have control over the length of my bookings?
- If a hygienist takes radiographs, do they get billed under me or the clinic?
- Is the clinic enrolled in CDCP, ODSP, Healthy Smiles, etc.?
- Is the clinic assignment or non-assignment?
- What is the reimbursement percentage and is this on production or collections?
Clinics will vary in their responses to these questions and your day to day at work will be impacted by the answers so don’t be afraid to ask.
Next steps
If the interview goes well and you are offered the position, you will be issued an offer letter and contract. Review this with an experienced colleague and lawyer before making a commitment. Prior to your first clinical day, I highly recommend shadowing the clinic for at least one day to learn the software, get comfortable with the room you will be working in, and get familiar with the team.
In conclusion, thorough research of the clinic before your interview not only equips you with valuable insights but also demonstrates your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role. By understanding the clinic’s services, staff, and reputation, you can engage more effectively with your interviewers, tailor your questions to align with their goals, and showcase how your skills and values match their needs. This preparation underscores your commitment to finding a practice where you can make a meaningful impact, fostering a strong foundation for a potential professional relationship and setting the stage for a successful and informed discussion.
Ready to take the next step in your dental career? I invite you to join the dental community in Dental Hive where you can apply for a job and find other helpful resources on Interview Skills and Career Development. Good luck!
About the Author
Dr. Aisling Whitaker is a General Dentist, Owner of Bitehaus Dental (Toronto) and CEO of Dental Hive, a mobile app for finding jobs, dental resources and community (dentalhive.ca). Aisling has experience mentoring new graduates, consulting for dental clinic start-ups, digital marketing, team wellness and retention. Aisling is a strong advocate for finding a workplace where you can thrive, developing positive workplace culture, team empowerment and finding ways to re-invigorate your dental career.